Digital Commons Network^™

Window Thermal Performance Optimization In The Government Built Emirati Family House-Abu Dhabi Emirate., Tareq I.A Abuimara

Theses

Presently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the world’s largest energy consumption per capita, with the building sector accounting for 70% of the consumed energy, primarily used for cooling. In the last three decades, the UAE government launched several housing programs that fit the needs of Emirati beneficiaries while recently targeting also energy efficiency.

This study aims at optimizing the window thermal performance in relation to orientation in a typical house within a representative governmental housing program. Often enough, housing orientation is governed by urban planning layout, where windows rarely show any adapted heat control treatment in relation …

Biodegradation Of Cresols Using Pseudomonas Putida Immobilized In Poly Vinyl Alcohol (Pva) Gel, Riham Mohamed Sorkatti Abu Bakr

Theses

The characteristics and viability of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a support material for biomass immobilization and utilization for the biodegradation of cresols have been evaluated. PVA gel pellets were prepared by repeated freezing-thawing method using different PVA compositions. The porous structures of the PVA pellets were examined using a Compound Microscope and SEM and revealed that the matrix structure and pore size distribution were affected by PVA composition. Mechanical properties of the PVA gel were also characterized to evaluate the PVA integrity as a matrix for immobilizing microbial cells and found to be dependent on the PVA mass composition. The …

Synergy Of The Developed 6d Bim Framework And Conception Of The Nd Bim Framework And Nd Bim Process Ontology, Shawn Edward O'Keeffe

Dissertations

The author developed a unified nD framework and process ontology for Building Information Modeling (BIM). The research includes a framework developed for 6D BIM, nD BIM, and nD ontology that defines the domain and sub-domain constructs for future nD BIM dimensions. The nD ontology defines the relationships of kinds within any new proposed dimensional domain for BIM. The developed nD BIM framework and ontology takes into account the current 2D-5D BIM dimensions. There is a synergy between the 6D and nD framework that allows the nD framework and ontology to be utilized as a unified template for future dimensional development. …

Investigation Into The Effects Of Wire Mesh On Tensile And Impact Properties Of Fiber Metal Laminates, Shivani A. Rudradat

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

An investigational study was conducted into the tensile and impact behavior of Fiber Metal Laminates by combining 5052 aluminum mesh or2024-T3 aluminum sheets,2.47 N (8.9 oz) or 6.67 N (24 az) ShieldStand^® S fiberglass, and Hysol EA 9313 epoxy. Testing was performed under the guidelines of ASTM D3039-00 utilizing an lnstron 8802 Servohydraulic Materials Testing Instrument for tensile tests and ASTM D3763-06 utilizing an Inston 9250 HV Dynatup Impulse Impact Testing System for impact tests. Samples were strained at arate of 2 mrn/min for tensile tests and impacted with enetgies of 10 to 40 J in l0 J increments …

Pulsatile Flow Does Not Improve Efficacy In Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion., Keith A. Zoeller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Introduction Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has the potential to increase the donor pool for lung transplantation by facilitating extended evaluation of marginal organs. Current methodology employs continuous flow pumps for perfusion. In vivo, continuous flow has been shown to increase pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Thus, pulsatile flow EVLP may reduce PVR and improve organ preservation by providing physiologic flow morphology. Methods Lung blocks harvested from male, Yorkshire pigs were allocated into continuous (CF, n=3) and pulsatile flow (PF, n=4) groups. Lungs were ventilated at 4-5 mL/kg, 30% FiO2 and perfused with an acellular, albumin-based solution corrected for osmolarity, acid/base …

Analysis Of Social Networks In A Virtual World, Gregory Thomas Stafford

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As three-dimensional virtual environments become both more prevalent and more fragmented, studying how users are connected via their avatars and how they benefit from the virtual world community has become a significant area of research. An in-depth analysis of virtual world Social networks is needed to evaluate how users interact in virtual worlds, to better understand the impact of avatar Social networks on the virtual worlds, and to improve future online Social networks.

Our current efforts are focused on building and exploring the Social network aspects of virtual worlds. In this thesis, we build a Social network of avatars based …

The Development Of A Traumatic Brain Injury Bioreactor, Zachery Heller

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Approximately 1.7 million Americans experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Concussive injuries are a subset of TBI in which blows to the head cause the brain to collide against the interior of the skull. Damage to the neurons, supporting cells, and surrounding extra cellular matrix resulting from these collisions can lead to permanent physical, cognitive, and psychological impairment. We believe the prevalence and clinical significance of concussive injures warrants research investment. To study brain injury following TBI, in vivo models have been the gold standard for TBI experiments. Although a valuable research alternative, animals are expensive, raise ethical …

Development And Evaluation Of Chitosan Particle Based Antigen Delivery Systems For Enhanced Antigen Specific Immune Response, Bhanuprasanth Koppolu

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Particle-based vaccine delivery systems are under exploration to enhance antigen-specific immunity against safe but poorly immunogenic polypeptide antigens. Chitosan is a promising biomaterial for antigen encapsulation and delivery due to its ability to form nano- and microparticles in mild aqueous conditions thus preserving the antigenicity of loaded polypeptides. The objective of this work is to develop a chitosan particle based antigen delivery system for enhanced vaccine response. Chitosan particle sizes, which ranged from 300 nm to 3 ìm, were influenced by chitosan concentration, chitosan molecular weight and addition rate of precipitant salt. The composition of precipitant salt played a significant …

Heat Of Combustion Of Algae For Use In A Diesel Engine, Cassia Diane Davis

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

With nearly a quarter of the world’s population living without any access to electricity or modern energy, strategies for providing energy are very important. While the use of fossil fuels can bring the much needed energy to these areas they come with a host of problems. Fossil fuel use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and ocean acidification. In many areas fossil fuels have to be transported in. The subsequent transmission and distribution can be difficult especially in rural areas. Dependence on fossil fuels also leaves the user vulnerable to disruption in deliveries and price fluctuations. While there are …

Interstitial Cell Seeding And Dynamic Conditioning Of Aortic Heart Valve Scaffolds, Allison Kennamer

All Theses

In 2011, U.S. Markets for Heart Valve Repair and Replacement Products estimated that roughly four million people in the United States are diagnosed with a heart valve disorder annually. And in the following year, the American Heart Association reported that approximately 35,000 deaths in the US were either directly or indirectly attributed to heart valve disease. Diseases of the heart valve are degenerative in nature and therefore progressively worsen unbeknownst to the patient until symptoms become clinically relevant. By this time, the valve is in such poor condition that complete replacement is often the only effective treatment. Current solutions are …

The Effects Of Different Size Gold Nanoparticles On Mechanical Properties Of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Under Mechanical Stretching, Tri Kieu

All Theses

The field of nanotechnology research has seen a large growth in the past few decades due to the great potential of novel nano-size material for useful applications such as drug delivery and medical imaging. Also, they are a promising platform for the detection of terrible diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Although these materials hold great promise, there is very limited understanding about the biological effects of these nanoparticles on normal healthy cells, such as vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The VSMCs are unique cells due to the two distinct phenotype characteristics it can express: a contractile and a synthetic …

Contrast Adaptation In The Lateral Eye Of Limulus Polyphemus, Tchoudomira Valtcheva

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Luminance and contrast adaptation are neuronal mechanisms that the retina applies for continuous adjustment to light sensitivity though a collection of cellular and synaptic mechanisms distributed across the retinal network, thus accommodating the wide input range of the visual system within the constricted output range of retinal ganglion cells. Luminance mean adaptation has been demonstrated in the output neurons of the invertebrate eye (eccentric cells), and the aim of the study was to investigate whether the homology in visual processing extends to luminance variance (contrast) adaptation as well. The spike trains of individual eccentric cells were recorded from live horseshoe …

Skeletal Muscle Contraction Simulation: A Comparison In Modeling, Jonathan M. Ford

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Computer generated three-dimensional (3-D) models are being used at increasing rates in the fields of entertainment, education, research, and engineering. One of the aspects of interest includes the behavior and function of the musculoskeletal system. One such tool used by engineers is the finite element method (FEM) to simulate the physics behind muscle mechanics. There are several ways to represent 3-D muscle geometry, namely a bulk, a central line of action and a spline model. The purpose of this study is to exmine how these three representations affect the overall outcome of muscle movement. This is examined in a series …

La Yeguada Volcanic Vomplex In The Republic Of Panama: An Assessment Of The Geologic Hazards Using 40ar/39ar Geochronology, Karinne L. Knutsen, William I. Rose, Brian Jicha

Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Publications

La Yeguada volcanic complex is one of three Quaternary volcanic centers in Panama. To assess potential geologic hazards, new samples were analyzed using argon analysis (⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar), and obtained the following: the most recent eruption occurred approximately 32,000 years ago at the Media Luna cinder cone; the youngest dated eruption from the main dome complex occurred 357 ± 19 ka, producing the Castillo dome unit; Cerro Picacho, a separate dacite dome 1.5 km east of the main complex is 4.47 ± 0.23 Ma; and the El Satro Pyroclastic Flow unit surrounds the northern portion of the volcanic …

Spectral Analysis Of Nonstationary Heart Rate Of Neonates Receiving Therapeutic Hypothermia Treatment, Tareq Al-Shargabi

Theses and Dissertations

We studied Heart Rate Variability (HRV) evolution during therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) using spectral analysis. We hypothesized that HRV measures are predictive of neurological outcome in babies with HIE. Non-stationarity in the data causes inaccurate quantification of the spectral power. A modification was proposed to power spectral analysis approach to mitigate the effect of non-stationarity. The modified and the standard approaches were applied to cardiac beat-to-beat intervals of newborns receiving hypothermia treatment. The performance of the approaches in distinguishing the RRi dynamics of two groups of newborns was assessed using area under the receiver operating …

Binding, Transcytosis And Biodistribution Of Anti-Pecam-1 Iron Oxide Nanoparticles For Brain-Targeted Delivery, Mo Dan, David B. Cochran, Robert A. Yokel, Thomas D. Dziubla

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Publications

OBJECTIVE: Characterize the flux of platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1) antibody-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its biodistribution in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS: Anti-PECAM-1 IONPs and IgG IONPs were prepared and characterized in house. The binding affinity of these nanoparticles was investigated using human cortical microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3). Flux assays were performed using a hCMEC/D3 BBB model. To test their immunospecificity index and biodistribution, nanoparticles were given to Sprague Dawley rats by intra-carotid infusion. The capillary depletion method was used to elucidate their distribution between the BBB and brain parenchyma.

RESULTS: Anti-PECAM-1 …

Hot Spot Identification And Analysis Methodology, Jacob S. Farnsworth

Theses and Dissertations

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) Traffic and Safety Division continues to advance the safety of roadway sections throughout the state. To aid UDOT in meeting their goal the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University (BYU) has worked with the Statistics Department in developing analysis tools for safety. The most recent of these tools has been the development of a hierarchical Bayesian Poisson Mixture Model (PMM) statistical model of traffic crashes and safety on UDOT roadways statewide and the integration of the results of this model in a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. This research focuses …

Leveraging Apple Remote Desktop To Facilitate Classroom Critiques Of Digital Projects, Jerry C. Schnepp

Visual Communications and Technology Education Faculty Publications

Classroom critiquing of visual projects is an essential exercise to help students refine their work. Usually, instructors display student work on a large screen so that the class can offer comments and suggestions. However, problems arise because critiques are often mired by ambiguous or misunderstood language. Sometimes students are better shown than told. This presentation demonstrates how Apple Remote Desktop (ARD) can be used to project the display of any lab computer while the instructor and student share control. The student’s work can be interactively modified during a critique session, resulting in an engaging experience for the entire class.

Real-Time In Vivo Cherenkoscopy Imaging During External Beam Radiation Therapy, Rongxiao Zhang, David J. Gladstone, Lesley A. Jarvis, Rendall R. Strawbridge, P Jack Hoopes, Oscar D. Friedman, Adam K. Glaser, Brian W. Pogue

Dartmouth Scholarship

Cherenkov radiation is induced when charged particles travel through dielectric media (such as biological tissue) faster than the speed of light through that medium. Detection of this radiation or excited luminescence during megavoltage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) can allow emergence of a new approach to superficial dose estimation, functional imaging, and quality assurance for radiation therapy dosimetry. In this letter, the first in vivo Cherenkov images of a real-time Cherenkoscopy during EBRT are presented. The imaging system consisted of a time-gated intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) coupled with a commercial lens. The ICCD was synchronized to the linear accelerator to …

Novel Liposomes For Targeted Delivery Of Drugs And Plasmids, Marjan Javadi

Theses and Dissertations

People receiving chemotherapy not only suffer from side effects of therapeutics but also must buy expensive drugs. Targeted drug and gene delivery directed to specific tumor-cells is one way to reduce the side effect of drugs and use less amount of therapeutics. In this research, two novel liposomal nanocarriers were developed. This nanocarrier, called an eLiposome, is basically one or more emulsion droplets inside a liposome. Emulsion droplets are made of perfluorocarbons which usually have a high vapor pressure. Calcein (as a model drug) and Paclitaxel were used to demonstrate drug delivery, and plasmids and siRNA were used to exemplify …

Vehicular Motion Sensor: Developing A Wide-Range Motion Sensing Alarm System, Joshua Isaacson

Senior Honors Theses

Vehicular safety has become a serious concern in recent years. Many drivers have difficulty backing out of parking spaces, especially when large trucks and sport utility vehicles block the peripheral view from smaller vehicles. This can lead to accidents and pedestrian injuries when drivers are unable to see or do not pay careful attention to their surroundings.

Vehicular motion sensor systems can alert drivers of approaching obstacles when attempting to back out of parking spaces with limited visibility. This thesis aims to explain the limitations of current systems and the research conducted by the author to develop a prototype for …

Artificial Intelligent Metallurgical Grain Detection, Adarsh Kesireddy

Mechanical Engineering Theses

In recent years, image processing has been applied to metallurgy but its applications were mainly confined to iron. This research instead focuses on recognizing phases present in steel. Phase recognition is very important because it aids in specifying the properties of steel specimens. This research is concentrated on recognizing Pearlite, Ferrite, Martensite and Cementite present in steel. A neural network was used to recognize these four phases. For a neural network to recognize any object it requires input values called features. This research introduces a combination of features which were not used before: texture based features of entropy, energy, contrast, …

Trajectory Generation And Optimization For Experimental Investigation Of Flapping Flight, Michael Schnebly Wilcox

Theses and Dissertations

Though still in relative infancy, the field of flapping flight has potential to have a far-reaching impact on human life. Nature presents a myriad of examples of successful uses of this locomotion. Human efforts in flapping flight have seen substantial improvement in recent times. Wing kinematics are a key aspect of this study. This study summarizes previous wing trajectory generators and presents a new trajectory generation method built upon previous methods. This includes a novel means of commanding unequal half-stroke durations subject to robotic trajectory continuity requirements. Additionally, previous optimization methods are improved upon. Experimental optimization is performed using the …

Gallium Containing Glass Polyalkenoate Bone Cements: Ion Release And E. Coli Inhibition, L. Placek, A. W. Wren, A. Coughlan, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Glass Polyalkenoate Cement (GPC) series (LCon., LGa-1 and LGa-2) containing gallium (Ga) and a 50 wt% addition of E11 polyacrylic acid (PAA), previously developed, was evaluated for ion release, specifically Si, Ca, Zn and Ga, and E. coli inhibition. The maximum inhibition was observed in the t = 0 samples and was 0.35 mm for LCon. and 0.65 mm for LGa-1 and LGa-2. © 2013 IEEE.

The Santa Clara, 2013-11-07, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

Swarm Intelligence As An Optimization Technique, Alma Bregaj

UBT International Conference

Optimization techniques inspired by swarm intelligence have become increasingly popular during the last years. Swarm intelligence is based on nature-inspired behaviours and is successfully applied to optimisation problems in a variety of fields. The advantage of these approaches over traditional techniques is their robustness and flexibility. These properties make swarm intelligence a successful design paradigm for algorithms that deal with increasingly complex problems. In this paper I am focused on the comparison between different swarm-based optimisation algorithms and I have presented some examples of real practical applications of these algorithms.

Twelve Days Of Christmas Mechatronic Display, Michael Beltran, Christine Hagerman, Katie Ruhm

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

The Santa Clara, 2013-10-31, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

Finite-Difference Time-Domain Simulation Of Photovoltaic Structures Using A Graphical User Interface For Meep, Xin Tze Tee, Peter Bermel

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

There is a large and growing need for accurate full-wave optical simulations of complex systems such as photovoltaic (PV) cells, particularly at the nanoscale. A finite-difference time-domain tool known as MEEP offers this capability in principle, through C++ libraries and the Scheme programming language. For expert users, this approach has been quite successful, but there is also great interest from new and less frequent users in starting to use MEEP. In order to facilitate this process, we have developed a graphical user interface (GUI) for MEEP, geared toward simulation of 2D and 3D PV cell geometries, freely available through a …

In Vivo Flow Measurements Of Murine Renal Arteries And Veins With High Frequency Ultrasound, Amy E. Bogucki, Hilary D. Schroeder, Alexa A. Yrineo, Craig J. Goergen

The Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Symposium

The number of glomeruli in the kidneys has been shown to have an effect on the decline in renal function over time (Brenner, Garcia, Anderson 1988). Furthermore, flow in the renal arteries and veins may depend on the number of glomeruli in the kidney. Consistent in vivo measurements of volumetric flow in the renal arteries and veins are difficult to obtain. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop non-invasive imaging techniques capable of estimating arterial and venous flow to kidneys. A high-frequency small animal ultrasound system was chosen based upon its excellent spatial and temporal resolution when imaging …